By Gary S. Hatrick
The Laker Correspondent
ZEPHYRHILLS — Kerry Barnett, longtime fire marshal for the Zephyrhills Fire Department, has been named 2009 Fire Marshal of the Year by the Florida Fire Marshal and Inspectors Association.
“This is a prestigious award,” Barnett said. “Considering the individuals who have won it previous years, I am humbled. Those guys have years more experience than me.”
Barnett acknowledged that it has been a challenging year for him as fire marshal, with the Zephyrhills City Council reviewing several complaints regarding inspection issues.
“It’s kind of a shining star at the end of the year,” Barnett said in reference to the complaints. “The year may have started off bad, but it ended good.”
Assistant Fire Chief Glenn Clegg nominated Barnett for the award, and several firefighters and peers wrote letters of recommendation.
“A fire marshal’s job is unappreciated by most people,” Clegg said. “… But in the end, their job is to protect the businesses so the city can continue.”
Clegg said he nominated Barnett because he continued to do his job despite the controversies of the past year.
“He’s here to do the job the right way and to not forsake his duties,” Clegg said.
Barnett’s name is engraved along with past winners on a large trophy displayed at the Florida State Fire College.
“It’s kind of like a winner’s cup,” Barnett said proudly. “You get to bring it home for 90 days. I’ll display it at the station for a while — it’s quite the neat little trophy.”
In April, Barnett will travel to Tallahassee for a reception with State Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who will have a proclamation honoring him. The Florida House and Senate will also recognize him.
Barnett has been with the Zephyrhills Fire Department for 22 years and has been fire marshal since 2003. He and his wife, Lisa, are the parents of Chellsey and Dylan.
